I was reading today the book American history and its geographical conditions which discusses how the geography of the Alleghenies blocked movement as well as conditioned westward movement. It's why NY wasn't able to extend itself westward, and how the original settlers came from more southern states: Virginia and the Carolinas. It was this book that mentioned Filson's map as well as the 80-90 cabins that made up Bashville. No mention of distilling, but lots on our favorite rivers and places, mention of the expansion by following the buffalo traces and salt licks, and talk where some of these maps might come in handy. Chapter 4 is where it starts getting interesting.